I dreamt vividly about Chaucer and his Canterbury Tales only stirred from my medieval slumber by a rattling noise. Possibly an ancient timbrel drum as I slowly pass by the imposing walls of Canterbury Castle with my fellow pilgrims. But no, the rattling is coming from my chest. The damned virus has slithered down from my larynx and infested my lungs. I open my mouth to speak and we quickly establish that one honk means yes and two means no.

I could have cried. This morning’s event was the reason I am here. A conducted tour of the University of Kent, but after an unparalleled Canterbury Lodge full English breakfast, paracetamol and a huge dose of mind over matter, I managed to walk 7 miles.

Hopping on a bus – the Canterbury bus service is excellent – we arrived at the leafy campus on a beautiful sunny, but chilly day. I love being on campuses. Always such a hive of activity yet no hint of stress, nobody is rushing anywhere, apart from the odd first year who is late for the next lecture. The campus at Kent Uni covers 300 acres, so having a guide is essential. And, with a stunning view like this every time you step out of the impressive Templeman Library, it’s not surprising everybody is so laid back. The University of Kent’s campus with a view from where you can see the spires of the mighty cathedral

Our students are encouraged to become global citizens, to think independently and develop original ideas. It’s what makes Kent such a fascinating place to study and work.

Gavin Esler – Chancellor

The University was founded in 1965 and I was blown away by their facilities, not just the cutting edge teaching blocks and the student accommodation on campus, but the added extras … the shops, coffee bars, the cinema and so much more. This is very much a multicultural student hub, our guide was an effervescent Italian girl in her third year so, with Brexit looming, I very much hope it stays that way. I cannot imagine anywhere better to devote three years of your life studying and the enthusiasm shown by both students and staff made it an uplifting experience. The presentation ceremony must be something to behold because it takes place in the mighty cathedral.

So I didn’t spend as much time as I would have liked exploring Canterbury because of the state of my health, which included the Cathedral Tour. But I do have an excuse to return … often from September 2018 … and I will visit the wonderful cathedral then, take a boat trip up the river, go to The Marlowe Theatre and much, much more. For I have lost my heart to Canterbury.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

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Brian Trubshaw – Test Pilot

BRIAN TRUBSHAW was chief test pilot of the British prototype Concorde 002 during its development phase. He was regarded as one of Britain’s most famous names in aviation. As test pilot for Vickers-Armstrongs he test flew the Viscount, the Valiant, the VC10 and Super VC10. He test flew the 1-11 for the British Aircraft Corporation before reaching the pinnacle of his career as Chief Test Pilot for of Concorde. In 1980 he became Director and General Manager of Filton until he retired in 1986, but remained on the board of the Civil Aviation Authority, until his death in 2001.

Concorde: The Complete Inside Story

Available for pre-order at www.amazon.co.uk. RELEASE DATE 1ST FEBRUARY 2019

When British Airways and Air France announced that Concorde was to be retired from service in October 2003, it signalled the end of nearly three decades of supersonic passenger flights. Concorde had flown for years without a major incident. But in July 2000, an Air France Concorde crashed near Paris, killing all 109 people on board and four on the ground. By the time the modified aircraft went back into service in November 2001, both BA and Air France faced mounting problems, which spelled the end for Concorde. As the former British chief test pilot, Brian Trubshaw’s close association with Concorde placed him in the unique position of being able to write the inside story of this world-famous supersonic passenger jet. Brian was closely involved in the exhaustive investigations into the 2000 tragedy. Heavily illustrated, this book covers the Paris crash, Concorde’s brief return to service and its decommissioning in 2004.

9th April 1969 – First flight of Concorde 002 and a day very close to my heart. I can’t believe it will be fifty years next year.